UAE ID deadline for expats is December 2010

The end of 2010 has been set as the deadline for expatriates living in the UAE to register for ID cards.

"The UAE Identity Authority (UAEIA) has taken several measures for expatriates who live in the UAE so that there is no delay in the registration process," Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, said in response to a question from Federal National Council member Maisa Ghadeer.

"December 31, 2010, will be the last date an application for an ID card will be accepted from an expatriate. A cabinet decree was issued in 2007 in regard to obtaining an ID card for use in dealings with all ministries, governmental and semi-governmental and private sector departments, companies and authorities.

"Representatives from the UAEIA have made visits to all such places to clarify the mechanisms for the implementation and use of the cards."

The authority has organised awareness campaigns over a year to remind the public about the importance of registering.

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